Our encounter with God does not begin with dogmas or beliefs. Rather, it begins with searching for ultimate meaning and purpose in our life experiences. For whatever reason, known only to God, we have been created with a physical body that exists, at least during this lifetime, within a material world limited by time and space. It is an existence where one may experience ineffable moments of a transcendent reality of utter awe, peace and joy — of being one with the One. But we can also expect our life to be filled with many moments of suffering and heartbreak, leading ultimately to our physical death. We may question why a God, whose essence is love, and who we claim is all powerful and all knowing, not limited by time and space, would allow us to enter into this material existence in the first place; especially knowing in advance the pain, suffering, and physical death that this existence awaits all who enter it. The answer alludes us. Yet, we can still believe that our existence is a sacred gift that does have purpose and meaning. Our hope is in trusting that our loving God will ultimately make all things right and known in God’s time and in God’s way. In the meantime, God calls us to love all of God's creation as our Creator loves us.